Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Desserts 1 Genius, Goof-Proof Pie Crust, 5 Amazing Ways to Use It Love pies... but tremble in terror at the thought of making them? We've got just the recipe to get you over your dough-phobia. By Sarah Karnasiewicz Sarah Karnasiewicz Sarah Karnasiewicz is a freelance writer and photographer and was the Digital Food Director for Real Simple for two years. She was also a senior editor for Saveur Magazine. Her contributions include articles for the Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Every Day with Rachel Ray, Epicurious, Food Network, and many more. Highlights: * Was a deputy editor for Salon.com * Wrote Fiji Water's global travel guide, Earth's Finest City Guide * Was a copywriter for Williams Sonoma * Won a James Beard Award for Wine, Spirits, Beverages Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 5, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos 01 of 06 Basic Pastry Trust us: making pie crust from scratch doesn't have to be a traumatic experience. This simple, buttery pastry is quick to assemble, perfectly flaky, and nearly foolproof. The secret? Handling it gently and adding some egg, which makes the dough pliant and forgiving when it comes time to roll it out. Get the recipe. Sarah Karnasiewicz Trust us: making pie crust from scratch doesn't have to be a traumatic experience. This simple, buttery pastry is quick to assemble, perfectly flaky, and nearly foolproof. The secret? Handling it gently and adding some egg, which makes the dough pliant and forgiving when it comes time to roll it out.Get the recipe. 02 of 06 Plum and Blackberry Pie Packed with sweet late-summer plums and inky blackberries, this gorgeous pie has an appealing tartness that's tempered with just the right amount of vanilla and sugar, plus a truly show-stopping ruby color. While any type of top crust will work here, a traditional lattice looks particularly dramatic against the dark fruit. Get the recipe. Sarah Karnasiewicz Packed with sweet late-summer plums and inky blackberries, this gorgeous pie has an appealing tartness that's tempered with just the right amount of vanilla and sugar, plus a truly show-stopping ruby color. While any type of top crust will work here, a traditional lattice looks particularly dramatic against the dark fruit.Get the recipe. 03 of 06 Old Fashioned Whole Strawberry Pie Who says strawberries need rhubarb? Piles of plump, juicy, whole berries are the star of this simple, homespun pie. The one modern twist: a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper, which gives the fruit filling a subtle, spicy kick. Get the recipe. Sarah Karnasiewicz Who says strawberries need rhubarb? Piles of plump, juicy, whole berries are the star of this simple, homespun pie. The one modern twist: a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper, which gives the fruit filling a subtle, spicy kick.Get the recipe. 04 of 06 Pear and Fresh Fig Pie Warm spices and caramel-sweet brown sugar are a perfect marriage for juicy pears and tender, ripe figs in this stunning pie. A rustic fold-over crust not only looks lovely—it's also a technique that's simple enough for even non-crafty bakers to get right. Get the recipe. Sarah Karnasiewicz Warm spices and caramel-sweet brown sugar are a perfect marriage for juicy pears and tender, ripe figs in this stunning pie. A rustic fold-over crust not only looks lovely—it's also a technique that's simple enough for even non-crafty bakers to get right.Get the recipe. 05 of 06 Apricot Lemon Sponge Pie Adapted from a recipe in a vintage New England community cookbook, this delicate, sweet-tart pie is a modern update on a classic form. During baking, the fruit and custard fillings separate to form three layers: spiced apricots, lemon pudding, and a delicate, spongy top. In other words: heaven. Get the recipe. Sarah Karnasiewicz Adapted from a recipe in a vintage New England community cookbook, this delicate, sweet-tart pie is a modern update on a classic form. During baking, the fruit and custard fillings separate to form three layers: spiced apricots, lemon pudding, and a delicate, spongy top. In other words: heaven.Get the recipe. 06 of 06 Mini Spiced Rum Peach Pies Sometimes good things come in small packages—as in the case of these irresistible, rum- and ginger-scented peach pies. Simply swap out your usual pie plate for a muffin tin, and you'll be left with adorable mini-pies that should end any arguments over who gets the biggest slice. Get the recipe. Sarah Karnasiewicz Sometimes good things come in small packages—as in the case of these irresistible, rum- and ginger-scented peach pies. Simply swap out your usual pie plate for a muffin tin, and you'll be left with adorable mini-pies that should end any arguments over who gets the biggest slice.Get the recipe. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit